Minneapolis violent crime maintaining previous levels

The Minneapolis Police Department reports that violent crime in Minneapolis is on track to maintain previously declining numbers. While 2011 final numbers will not be available until mid-January, the department expects that Minneapolis will continue to see flat or decreased violent crime numbers for the sixth year in a row.

One of the most concerning and publicized statistics each year is the number of homicides within the City. Initial numbers show that homicides are down more than 12 percent over 2010 and 29 percent over 2006.

Minneapolis also had a 5 percent decrease in violent crime over 2010 and a 46 percent decrease over 2006. While these statistics are of little consequence to a crime victim it does show that overall City residents should feel that Minneapolis continues to be safer than in years past for those who live, work and visit here.

While many factors contribute to long term trends, the Minneapolis Police Department has made great strides in 2011 through the use of community and corporate/business partnerships, innovative strategies and technology to minimize violent crime and solve community level problems.

One example is the area in and around Peavey Park in south Minneapolis. For years this area has faced significant challenges. Narcotics dealing and use, gang activity and related violence plagued the area. In late July 2011, a campaign began in the area encompassing the park that utilized resources from the Third Precinct’s various components in conjunction with the MPD’s citywide Traffic, Canine, and SOD Patrol Units and the Gang Enforcement Team to provide a constant presence and enhanced enforcement. Live monitored cameras were also positioned in the park to monitor and document criminal activity.

Additionally, the MPD received cooperation from the Minneapolis Park Police, the Metro Transit Police, the United States Marshal’s Service, the Minnesota Department of Corrections and Hennepin County Adult Probation in order to address issues in which each agency specializes.

These enforcement efforts can be shown to be successful as violent crime in the area has decreased 28 percent since the enforcement initiative began. Additionally, there is a greatly increased sense of community safety among area residents. The involvement of local residents and businesses was a significant key to the success of this endeavor. Several community and business partners in this initiative committed to using the park for multiple events in the summer and fall. Where Peavey Park had long been ignored by residents due to criminal activity, it is again being used for its intended purpose.

As 2012 begins the MPD will continue to use community, corporate/business and agency partnerships, new strategies and technology to ensure that the advances made against violent crime in the past few years are not lost.